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Boosted Rail amp technology

You won't believe how small and powerful this amp is. Rockford Fosgate's PBR500X1 mono amp can drive up to 500 watts RMS into a 1-ohm load, allowing you to power multiple subs to get more bass. And this Punch Class BR amplifier generates this power from a very tiny case — literally the size of your hand.

Boosted Rail (BR) amp technology uses capacitors and high-speed circuitry to boost the amp's power supply voltage when needed, so it can handle massive musical peaks without missing a beat. Rockford Fosgate uses this new technology to create a remarkable amp that fits almost anywhere and delivers powerful sound.

Convenience and reliability

Add Rockford Fosgate's PEQ wired remote, and you'll be able to control the subwoofer impact from your front seat. The amp also features speaker-level inputs with signal-sensing turn-on, allowing you to connect into almost any system without having to run a turn-on lead back to the receiver. An extruded aluminum heat sink combines with Rockford Fosgate's heat management technology to make sure your tunes keep rockin' — even when you're playing loud.

My system has plenty of power. Who needs an amp?

You might think you don't need an amp because you have a 400-watt system in your car, or because your new stereo puts out 50 watts a channel. But those are peak wattage ratings, which may boil down to 15 or 20 watts per channel, using the more realistic RMS rating. An amp sends your speakers the power they need to deliver your music with clarity and impact, whether you're using factory speakers or high-performance components. And low-frequency reproduction requires lots of power, so an amp is an absolute must if you're adding a sub to your system.

Product Research

Features

Boosted Rail Technology: The PBR500x1 uses Boosted Rail
Technology (BRT), an efficient design that doesn't use a switching power supply.
The PBR500x1's average efficiency is more than 75%, meaning it doesn't generate
much heat and can maintain a small footprint.

Power Output: The power output increases as impedance is
reduced:

4Ω: 175 watts RMS

2Ω: 300 watts RMS

1Ω: 500 watts RMS

Signal Input: The PBR500x1 is compatible with either
line-level (RCA) or speaker-level inputs. The included Molex-to-RCA is used
in both cases; the RCA end is cut off for connection to speaker wires.

Auto Turn-on: When using speaker-level inputs the amp will
automatically turn on when it senses an input signal (4 volt minimum). The
threshold voltage (DC offset) for auto turn-on is adjustable from 4 volts to
6 volts. This circuit is only active when the Input Level switch is set to High
(speaker-level).

MEHSA³: MEHSA³ (Maximum Efficiency Heat Sink Application-Third
Generation) is a Rockford Fosgate proprietary process that increases the heat transfer
from the MOSFET devices to the heatsink. The multi-layer insulated metal MEHSA substrate
operates with minimal thermal resistance, spreading heat both downward and outward to
quickly dissipate heat from each device across the heatsink. This allows greater power
output, enhanced thermal stability, and maximum reliability.

NOMAD: NOMAD (NOn-Multiplying Advanced Decision) is an intelligent
protection circuit that uses an analog computer to make real time decisions regarding
temperature, voltage, current and impedance. The unit is protected without limiting
sound output unless needed.

DSM (Discrete Surface Mount): In the manufacturing process
high speed robotics are used to place 1% tolerance parts and large board traces.
DSM improves the efficiency of the circuit, decreases cross-talk from other discrete
components and lowers operating temperature.

LEDs: The Power/Protect LED on the right side of the amp
illuminates blue when the amp is turned on and operating normally; it illuminates
red when one of the protection circuits has engaged (short circuit, impedance too
low, or temperature too high). The BRT LED on the left side of the amp illuminates
white when the boost mode is engaged.

Controls

Crossover: The amplifier's internal low-pass crossover is
continuously variable from 35 Hz to 250 Hz; the slope is 12 dB/octave.

Gain: When using line-level inputs, the input gain is adjustable
from 150mV to 4V, when using speaker-level inputs it's adjustable from 400mV to 11V.

Input Level: Use the 2-position switch to select the input
voltage range; High (speaker-level) or Low (line-level).

DC Offset: The DC offset threshold voltage for the auto turn-on
circuit is adjustable from 4 volts to 6 volts (feature only active when the Input
Level switch is set to High).

Connections

Power Connections: The power, ground, and remote turn-on
terminals are c-clamps on a removable plug. Each terminal will accommodate up
to 8-gauge wire (Rockford recommends 8-gauge minimum for the power and ground
wires). A flat blade screwdriver (not supplied) is required to tighten/loosen the
terminals. There is no fuse on the body of the amp, so an external 80-amp fuse
(not included) must be installed in the power wire. If a wiring kit is used that
includes a different value fuse, the original should be replaced with a 80-amp
fuse.

Signal Input: The included input harness has a Molex plug
on one end (plugs into the amp) and female RCA plugs on the other. When using
speaker-level inputs the RCA end is removed and the four individual wires are
used.

Speaker Output: The speaker outputs are c-clamps on a removable plug. Each terminal will accommodate up to 8-gauge wire

Remote Punch EQ (PEQ): An RJ-45 jack is provided
for connecting an optional remote PEQ control (575ROCKPEQ, sold separately). When connected the PEQ acts as a variable bass
boost; 0-18 dB centered at 45 Hz.

Note: Older model (prior to 2007) Punch
Bass and Para-Punch remotes will not work with this amp.

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Great Amp for the size

Written By RTSM, San Francisco Bay Area on Friday, May 04, 2012

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First let me say that the PBR500x1 is a great amp. I have a 2011 Lexus ES350 with ML and I needed a amp that I could install on the bulkhead support under the rear deck shelf. I was just looking to add bass to my ML system, I don't need for the sound to win db awards or astound pedestrians. I hooked this up to a Audio Control LC2i both installed on the bulk head support. I did this as I need space for all the things I need to carry with two kids and wanted a clean and small install to save space and not to be exposed to damage. The amp is very powerful, don't let the size fool you, the birth sheet that came with my amp showed 360 watts at 2ohms and it definetly feels like it. I have the gain only on 1/3 of the way and hooked up to a JL HO ported 10" box and the combo rocks the car, the amp can definetly push more power and larger subs then I am using. The sound is clean and there is no turn-on/off thumps. If I turn up the gain the power is unbelievable and even without the back seat passthrough open you can still feel the sound waves. I highly recomend this amp to those who need a stealth install without sacrificing sound quality. I would of rated it 5 stars but the controls are very small and hard to read/adjust but that is the price you pay for the small form factor, which is acceptable. Having said this, I would definetly by it again as the small controls are not a issue once you get everything dialed in. Buy this amp, you won't be disapointed.